Steelers Make ‘Rare' Decision on Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II made it clear he wanted an answer from Aaron Rodgers regarding the upcoming season before the draft kicked off.

“I have not talked to [Rodgers]. Coach [Mike McCarthy] has been in contact with him pretty regularly,” Rooney said. “I think a decision is coming soon. I would say by the draft I would expect an answer.”

Despite the expectation being set, the future Hall of Fame quarterback did not give his official decision on the 2026 season. During the third round of the draft, the Steelers selected former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar as the potential quarterback of the future.

Just a few days later, the Steelers have made a telling decision on Rodgers.

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On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Steelers place the “rare” right-of-first-refusal tender on Rodgers.

The decision means “that he can accept a 10 percent raise off last year's salary, which would pay him about $15 million this season, and the Steelers also now will have the right to match any offer sheet he would sign with another team,” Schefter noted.

As another condition of the tender, Rodgers would only be able to sign with the Steelers once training camp begins.

The decision from the Steelers puts the ball squarely in Rodgers’ court as the offseason continues. It also, however, allows the veteran quarterback time to make his decision on whether or retire or come back for another season.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 10:38 AM.